5 Things You Need To Know About Co-Washing

Co-washing, or conditioning washing, got its start as a part of the Curly Girl Method, and I wanted to give you a complete guide to it. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about co-washing and new co-washing cleansing conditioners.

Textured hair has a natural tendency to be drier than straighter hair types. The natural oils created by the scalp have a harder time navigating the twist and turns of curly hair. Massey suggests that all conditioners have a small amount of gentle cleansers and that conditioners can and should be use more than shampoo to clean curly hair. Co-washing is a part of the no-poo movement.

A curly girl has to take all measures to ensure that curls stay hydrated. A “no-poo” hair regimen that consists of regular co-washing can create beautifully nourished waves and curls. Some even believe gentle cleansers can prevent split ends and other hair damage.

Co-washing is becoming so popular that hair product companies are offering co-washing cleansing conditioners along with gentle sulfate-free shampoos. As a curly girl, I have experimented with co-washing with regular conditioners and co-washing conditioners. You can read a full product review of SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-wash Conditioning Cleanser here. Before you start, here are five things you should know about co-washing:

Watch Those Ingredients

If co-washing is a regular part of your hair regimen, stay away from silicones. Many of these ingredients are easy to identify on product labels: look for ingredients ending in -cone. Many silicones are synthetic additives that are not water-soluble, making them a little bit harder to wash out without harsh detergents. The end result is yucky build-up on your hair and scalp.

Depending on your hair and other factors, such as your schedule and the climate, you can co-wash as frequently as you like. Keep in mind that your hair is the most fragile when it’s wet. Be careful in styling, and allow your hair time to dry completely before washing again. There is a such thing as over-conditioning, so pay attention to your hair’s feel. If it’s spongy or even mushy, you’re overdoing it.

Clarify Occasionally With A Sulfate-Free Shampoo

This is an important step that some people skip. Your hair and scalp still need a gentle shampoo to adequately cleanse. When I skip the shampoo for too long, my scalp itches like crazy. I recommend shampooing weekly or bi-weekly in addition to regular co-washing.

Co-washing Is Not For Everyone

If you suffer from scalp conditions such as dermatitis, co-washing occasionally is okay. But a strict no-poo regimen could make this condition worse. Also, depending on your hair type, you may not see the benefit of co-washing. If you have oily hair, a shampoo is needed to remove excess oil, as co-wash can add extra oil to the hair.

A Co-washing Cleansing Conditioner Might Not Be Enough

I feel like including the term “cleansing” or “cleanser” on the bottle of co-washing conditioners can be a little deceiving. There are certain properties that shampoos or cleansers have that are absent from some co-washing conditioners. For example, many shampoos are formulated with a low pH. The acidity of shampoo raises the hair cuticle, making it easier to remove dirt and product buildup. Shampoos also have detergents that clean the hair and scalp. Some co-washing conditioners exhibit some of these properties, but not all, so check labels for what you want.

[author ]Tamara L. Floyd is a communications #PRblmsolver, wife, mother and serial blogger by day and by night a modern day super hero. Her mission is simple. “World Domination”!!! You can find her at Natural Hair Rules where she encourages others to be who they are naturally. Or Boxer and The Baby where she shares her experiences as a first time mom on her quest to find that mythical creature they call balance…[/author]

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Jenell B Stewart

Jenell Stewart MS, the founder and editor in chief of the award winning website KinkyCurlyCoilyMe.com dedicates most of her free time educating and uplifting women with natural hair by way of her extremely popular website and YouTube channel. Jenell has been featured in Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise.com, and starred on the Dr.Oz television show as a Beauty Expert. In 2012 she was named one of Essences top Instagramers and that same year KinkyCurlyCoilyMe won an award for “Favorite Website” of the Natural Hair Community.

So… …even though I co-wash, I still need to shampoo. I don’t get it! I used EDEN Co-Wash, and I didn’t see a direction to shampoo afterwards. I usually use Shea Moisture products, but I haven’t purchased the Coconut Conditioning Co-Wash yet. Should I condition to use the shampoo with the EDEN Coconut Co-Wash? I’m getting confused again–please help!

Annabelle Lee

i think what shes saying is co-wash throughout the week ans shampoo every week or two or whenever you feel your hair getting product buildup…. the co-wash is good for cleansing most times but you still need to use shampoo every now and again hope this helps

Wanda Herbert Romain

Thanks, Annabelle Lee! Since I don’t get a lot of build-up in my hair, I can afford to shampoo every other week.

I don’t co wash very often, however, when I do I use Kandy Kurls Peppermint Cowash. I am a sucker for the tingly feeling I get from using anything with peppermint and this co wash works really well at keeping my hair clean and moisturized.